Meeting Minutes 5/13/26
May 13, 2026
Business and Education Building, Room 276
ACCHE Members Present: Jackie Busbee, Debra Gantt, Teresa Haas, Joe Lewis, Sharron Marra, Chip Marvin, LaWana McKenize, Sallye Rich
USCA Staff Present: Phil Bridgmon, Brian Enter, Dan Heimmermann, Corey Murphy, Nathan Rice, Ahmed Samaha, Todd Wilkinson, and Tory Kornreich
ACCHE Members Not Present: Tim Simmons.
Chair Haas called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. She stated the notice of the meeting had been published in accordance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
Sharron Marra moved to approve minutes from the 3-11-2026 meeting. Jackie Busbee seconded the motion. The motion was approved.
Chair’s Report
Chair Haas commended Dr. Heimmermann and his team for a wonderful May commencement ceremony and congratulated the Polo Team for their National win. Chair Haas noted that the annual Scholarship Luncheon took place on Monday, May 11, and awarded twenty-five, $7,500 scholarships during this event.
Executive Committee: No report.
Finance Committee Report
Chip Marvin opened by reporting that the commission is in an excellent financial position. Marvin shared that the commission is slightly out of balance on the cash target but that this is by less than 1% and poses no significant concern.
Buildings and Grounds
Brian Enter shared several updates regarding renovation. Enter highlighted that the Summer renovation project is currently underway. Starbucks and the Student Activity Center dining hall will be renovated along with a small serving station at H&SS. Ms. Haas inquired about the Cyber Integration Center, and Enter confirmed the CIC is at 67% in terms of the design. Construction is scheduled to begin in January of 2027. Additionally, the Quad renovation is in the beginning design stage. Enter shared that Phase 1 of the signage project is focused on the external gates (outside of Penland, for example). Phase 2 will focus on the interior signage of campus buildings.
Chancellor’s Report
Chancellor Heimmermann opened by sharing that Commencement was successful thanks to the hard work of the USCA team. Dr. Heimmermann also noted that the Board of Trustees were complimentary of the ceremony. Heimmermann then shared how Enrollment numbers have increased significantly— to 29% — for this summer. Additionally, although it is still early, Fall enrollment rates have increased by 95%. Regarding the Legislative update, USCA will receive about $1.2 million in funding. Due to the needs for increased funding, it is likely that tuition will be increased in the near future.
Regarding the private public partnership, Chancellor Heimmermann shared that Columbia has received a draft for feedback. This draft consisted of two plans including the entertainment district and The Pacer Down revitalization project. USCA is waiting for approval from the state.
Additionally, Chancellor Heimmermann shared that he presented the Quad renovation update during the recent Staff Assembly. Chancellor Heimmermann noted that transparency is critical during this project, as the Quad is special to numerous faculty and staff. A Quad Renovation Committee will be formed to ensure input is gathered from stakeholders across USCA and partner boards. This committee will meet from August through December of 2026, and it will convene several times throughout the year. Additionally, Brian Enter will invite an arborist and architect to visit USCA and provide further insight. Chancellor Heimmermann noted that one of the primary downsides of the Quad as it currently stands is the root system, as this system is difficult to maintain and has cost USCA $100,000 within the past year. The ultimate goal is for USCA’s Quad to be a park-like space with opportunities for community engagement. Phase one was presented before USC Columbia, and they support USCA’s Quad renovation efforts.
Chancellor Heimmermann announced that the grand opening ceremony of the Tom Young Center for Innovation will be held on June 4. Governor McMaster will attend, and the Center has also been announced formally by the Aiken Standard. The Chancellor’s Innovation, Economic, and Workforce Development Council will also convene at 9:00am. These three sub-committees will provide substantial deliverables throughout the year to address real community issues Aiken faces.
- Using AI, the first taskforce will consolidate all the local regional plans.
- The second taskforce will simulate a grid failure and build.
- The third taskforce will work to meet challenges presented by disastrous weather events such as Hurricane Helene.
Lastly, the Chancellor shared that he will meet with Teresa Haas and Jeremy Leong on a regular basis throughout 2026. This will ensure USCA remains updated regarding AMC progress. The AMC report will be provided to the commission.
Lastly, Heimmermann noted that Dr. Scott McKay will retire from USC Aiken by the end of May. Heimmermann highlighted that Dr. McKay has provided an immense amount of value to faculty and staff during his time at USCA. USCA’s workforce development advancements have occurred because of the hard work and dedication of Dr. McKay.
Additional Announcements
Chair Haas congratulated Athletics on its many successes in recent months. Chair Haas also noted that the School of Nursing has established various new partnerships which is exciting for USCA students. The partnership with First Tee, in particular, has been especially rewarding.
Adjournment:
LaWana McKenzie moved to adjourn the meeting. This motion was seconded by Corey Murphy. The meeting was adjourned at 5:42 p.m.